The Best Ski Runs in Chatel

The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in the world with over 650km of pistes. There is great skiing for all abilities spread across 12 resorts and two countries. Here are some of the best that you might like to try during your stay:

The Coupe de Monde

Classified as a black run however skis more like a red. It starts at Haut Forts and drops over 1000m to the head of the Prodain valley. It’s arguably one of the best runs in the Portes du Soleil due to its length, altitude and great snow conditions. In the past the run was used for the Women’s World Cup Downhill and the old start gate is still there so you can picture yourself skiing it with virtually no turns just like the pros.

The Donkeys

Not actually a marked run but an easy off piste zone (equivalent to a blue) between two pistes in the middle of the Chatel ski area. It’s best to go with an instructor or guide the first time to show you the way but afterwards you could ski it all afternoon taking a different line each time. The donkeys is a natural playground with little bumps, jumps and natural valleys to play in, hours of ski fun!

Chaletneuf

Situated above Super Chatel, linking into Switzerland and the Chaletneuf drag lift these two super easy free-flowing blue runs are always a joy to ski no matter if you are just learning or are semi-pro. Ideal for beginners venturing away from the nursery slopes for the first time, the Chaletneuf blues are a perfect way for beginners to start exploring the mountain.

The Stash

The first of its kind built in Europe. Over one mile long the Stash is a

range of natural jumps, rails, wall rides, log jibs and hidden extras built in conjunction with Burton. Nestled amongst the trees in Les Lindarets the Stash uses the natural terrain or wooden obstacles to create a playground for snowboarders and freeriders. There are three slopes of varying difficulty, which intertwine and snake through the forest creating a unique slope experience.

The Belette

Chatel’s favorite green run, starting from Plaine Dranse the Bellette is 3.5km long and winds it way through the trees all the way to Pre La Joux. What’s great about this run is it gives beginners the opportunity to get up the mountain and away from the nursery slopes and drag lifts at the bottom.

Torgon Freeride

A great area for an intermediate skier looking to explore off piste without going too far. The Torgon Freeride is a controlled but un-pisted area under the Tronchey chairlift, so is a relatively safe and accessible area for holiday skiers to try something a bit steeper and more challenging. But what’s best is that Torgon is a quiet resort so fresh snow stays untracked a little bit longer.